VIDEO: Dr James questions Trinidad and Tobago’s approach to Caricom

Senior political figures in Trinidad and Tobago have urged caution as tensions escalate over the country’s relationship with the Caribbean Community (Caricom) and its stance on Venezuela and the United States.

Economist Dr James questioned whether Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar had clearly justified her recent criticism of Caricom, saying he was unconvinced that the grounds for her position had been adequately explained.

“I’m not sure I understand what she’s saying,” Dr James said, suggesting that the criticism appeared to be directed at perceived problems that may not yet exist.

He warned, however, that Trinidad and Tobago must remain vigilant in protecting its sovereignty while navigating regional and international alliances.

“The fact that I am small doesn’t mean that I am not my own man,” Dr James said. “I cannot allow another country, simply because it has money or power, to treat me however it likes.”

His comments come amid a widening debate over the country’s foreign policy direction and its relationship with regional partners.

The political leader of the Movement for Social Justice (MSJ), David Abdulah, cautioned against any move that could weaken ties with Caricom, arguing that regional trade remains critical to Trinidad and Tobago’s economic survival.

“We cannot diss Caricom. We cannot seek to break our relationship with Caricom,” Mr Abdulah said, noting that Trinidad and Tobago’s manufactured goods face limited access to the United States market.

He also questioned what tangible benefits the country stood to gain from what he described as an apparent pivot towards the United States.

“What is the reward?” he asked, suggesting there had been insufficient public scrutiny of the economic or diplomatic returns from closer alignment with Washington.

Mr Abdulah further criticised the government’s handling of tensions between the United States and Venezuela, arguing that diplomatic options had not been fully explored.

The debate intensified after Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar responded to criticism from Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne, distancing Trinidad and Tobago from Caricom’s long-standing “zone of peace” position and accusing the regional bloc of aligning itself with the Venezuelan government.

Amid the growing controversy, a senior judicial figure urged the public to consider the broader regional context.

Justice of Appeal and Presbyterian minister Frankie Seepersad said discussions on Venezuela must take into account the country’s mass migration crisis and its territorial claims against Guyana.

Speaking after a church service in Marabella, Mr Seepersad warned against what he described as revisionist narratives that overlook recent regional instability.

“Millions of people do not leave their homes because all is well,” he said, adding that decisions aimed at restoring balance in the region should be assessed within that framework.

Mr Seepersad also called for honesty in public discourse, saying meaningful dialogue required acknowledgement of recent history and the hardships faced by displaced populations.

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